Coping with the Loss of Your Job

Loss is one of those areas that people must cope with, at some time or another, in a variety of areas in their lives. Some people have experienced many losses at once or in a short peroiod of time, while others have experienced less significant losses over a longer period of time. If you are facing or coping with a job loss, you may be experiencing feelings you did not expect. Whether your job loss came suddenly, unexpectedly, or had been planned, it is still a loss and can require some time to adjust to it and the differences it will make in your life.

Some people have been quite happy about the loss of a job they didn't like, but the reality of the change can still have a dramatic effect on your emotions and overall well-being. We know that the same type of loss may affect different people in diffeent ways, but most would agree that you often need time to gain an understanding to cope with a loss - and, in the case of a job loss, that often comes when you do not have the luxury of time because of the need to generate income.

If you are not coping well with the loss of your job, you may need to take a different approach. Start by thinking about your situation - do you describe your situation as an 'opportunity', a 'challenge', or a 'blessing'? Or do you believe it is a 'tragedy', a 'travesty', or a 'crime'? If you believe you have been treated unfairly, which may or may not be true, that belief can keep you from moving forward. Even in those instances, it is to your advantage to view the situation as neutral or positive - circumstances that can lead you to something better if you are open to possibilities.

I have worked with a number of people who were forced into a job change and those who viewed it as a good thing, or at least as a neutral event, managed to work through their feelings more easily than those who continued to resent the forced change. The unfortunate thing about anger is that it usually shows through - either in your writing or in an interview or other discussions. Obviously that could be a real hindrance to finding out about and landing a new job.

If you need assistance coping with a job loss, please seek it out. Resolving those issues can save you job search time later.


Mary Ann Davis, M.A. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice; providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions, in person or at a distance. She has assisted individuals through various transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, and grief work. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor.

Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.